Are there fees or permits required for Waialae Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Waialae Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Waialae Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Waialae Falls.

Live Conditions · 111 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Waialae Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Waialae Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Waialae Falls.

Hawaii

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

wallyg CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Hawaii Digital Newspaper Program UH Manoa Library CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

About Waialae Falls

Waialae Falls is a picturesque waterfall located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is part of the island's stunning natural landscape. The waterfall is less well-known compared to other Kauai waterfalls, offering a more secluded experience for visitors.

The Setting

Waialae Falls sits at 479 feet along the Honolii Stream, in the coastal lowlands of Hawaii.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Kulaniapia Falls (120 ft) lies 3.1 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Rainbow Falls (80 ft, 3.0 mi).

Kulaniapia Falls Rainbow Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

There is limited information about a formal trail leading to Waialae Falls. Visitors may need to navigate through unmarked paths or private property, so caution and respect for local landowners are advised.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a serene and less crowded waterfall surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. The area may be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.

Accessibility

The waterfall is not easily accessible and may require navigating rough terrain or unmarked paths. It is not wheelchair accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Waialae Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Waialae Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The waterfall can be visited year-round, but the dry season (spring and summer) may provide easier access.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Heavy rains during wet season (November through March) bring higher flow but can make trails slippery.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, flash flooding, and unmarked trails. Always check weather conditions and avoid visiting during heavy rain.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

111 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

11 18 74 171

Based on 59 years of record

3.21 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

Honolii Stream nr Papaikou, HI

USGS 16717000

2.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 12 sq mi

Altitude: 1,540 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Honolii Stream nr Papaikou, HI (4 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

111 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

120 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

124 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

124 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

124 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

124 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

124 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

124 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 6/10).

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Paukaa hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar measures about 220 feet of descent through Waialae Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 544 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 128 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 105 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Waialae Falls near Paukaa, Hawaii, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Waialae Falls near Paukaa, Hawaii, showing about 220 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 544 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 220 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Waialae Falls is located in a remote area of Kauai. Access may require driving on unpaved roads, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Visitors should consult local resources or guides for the most accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may be informal. Visitors should ensure they are not blocking any private property or access roads.

Elevation

479 feet above sea level

Coordinates

19.763442° N, -155.114792° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make access roads and trails hazardous. Bring sturdy footwear and plenty of water. Respect private property and avoid trespassing.